These books were groundbreaking by asserting that children with cerebral palsy could lead productive lives.
After she was diagnosed, Karen's parents decided to raise her at home, contrary to the advice of doctors to commit her to an asylum and forget her.
After visiting at least 23 doctors, they found one in Baltimore, Maryland, who taught them to do physical therapy with Karen at home, which was then a radical concept.
She developed into a fairly happy teenager and adult who lived independently in New Rochelle, New York and worked for decades as a receptionist at a retreat house for priests run by Catholic monks.
[2] She also served as an honorary member of the board of directors for the Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in NY.